Rob

Hi All, so it seems I’ve joined the realms of those having issues with connecting to my mount now. I have a Eq5 with asterion (eqstar). I use iPhone and can connect to the eqstar Wi-Fi just fine. All was working well, but now it keeps giving me a connection error in the SynScan app?. claims “negative response” on trying to connect. Anyone else had this? all fine in controller manual mode by the way thanks Rob

Many Thanks. I can now replace the sticky dec ..

Hi All, Happy New Year. I’m trying to understand the correct size bearings for my EQ5 worm, can anyone confirm? Either 608 2RS or 686 2RS?. thanks Rob

Very pleased thus far @JeremyS been working with an old Circle T, which is a little tired now. First Tak purchase for me. Next a scope 😊

Pushed the button on 1.25 Tak Prism. Looking forward to this. Some have said the collet is plastic.. it’s not btw

Sorry to hear this. If it were me I would re strip down, and swap those ceramic bearings out anyhow. I did my Heq5 this year and purchased the best I could for bearings. Mine had various issues.. including having to rubber mallet off the RA bearing. It was a horror show. Needless to say once all back together and set its now running like a dream. you will get to the bottom of it I’m sure!. Good luck. Rob

Nice!... I've been out these last few nights. Its been so cold with air frost also.. that can soften it. Been -6 by night down here. Rob

So it is!... Sorry my bad. I know you love your FS128. I would too if I had one. Happy Friday (can you tell I've entered weekend mode already )

Very nice!..

Nice Dave!. What a find. Looks super quality, and will serve you I'm sure.. Sorry to hear about your back - Get well soon. Rob

Just grabbed one myself!. Nice

New Askar VDP 300 bar for my ED102. Thanks FLO!

Eyepieces are a very personal choice for the observer. To one person, not so great.. to another a real winner!. This is fine, we are all different in some respects. I found mid range premium are just great for me, that said there are some gems sub £100 bracket also. best advice - try out where possible, and try them again. Rob

Took a punt and bought my first Aliexpress item. Really like it too. Nice long handle for my Bresser 127L. aluminium fully anodised.

Always an interesting one!. You also want (which I’m sure you are) Ease of use with your (all family) visual scope. The last thing you want to do is be put off by lugging everything out etc.. One of my most fun scopes was way back 30 Years ago. A Helios 114 skyhawk (now skywatcher). It was an F8 Newtonian .. yes not the most premium, but fun all the same and sub £250 at the time. You will manage most targets also plants & bright deep sky. Which ever you look at consider the F-ratio also. There are many brands that could suit. Clear Skies Rob

Nice report thanks. I picked one of these up a short while ago, yet to have proper first light!. It seems really good on testing. Rob

Very nice indeed!. Very jealous 😊.. ditto for me as born January 1969, and christened on moon landing day!! Rob

Good fun scope. Enjoy!. Loved the 66

I grabbed one of these bags from FLO for my ED102.. really nice Rob

Welcome!. Enjoy the hobby & the forum Rob

Good luck Paul..

Also by upgrading the mount will pay you for future upgrades/scopes. So a win, win!

Yeah I know what you mean Paul. I think if you have a good 5”, then invest in an old black version HEQ5 head and go from there!. I know you put a lot of time, effort and funds into getting the focuser sorted. The lack of go to for a while is worth the wait on funds as the difference over the EQ5 is noticeable. Rob

Hi Wookie, yes the EQ5 is to pushed for yours & my 5” frac. The length of tube plays havoc. This why I started looking for an old dual drive HEQ5, then slowly upgraded when funds allowed. I also stripped and replaced all the bearings and re-greased everything. popped an ADM saddle on there and moved to a Losmandy plate (15” one). Then finally grabbed the skyscan upgrade with Wi-Fi dongle. This has been over 3 ish years.. but just having the HEQ5 mount head made a difference. I also bought a CG5 tripod (2” leg) Rob

Sounds great Russ. It does seem the early mornings are the way to go then (more so with the hot days we are having). encouraging on Mars also 😊 Rob